Chevy Chase stars as Andy Farmer, a sportswriter who moves with his schoolteacher wife Elizabeth (Madolyn Smith) to the country in order to write a novel in relative seclusion. Of course, seclusion is the last thing the Farmers find in the… MoreChevy Chase stars as Andy Farmer, a sportswriter who moves with his schoolteacher wife Elizabeth (Madolyn Smith) to the country in order to write a novel in relative seclusion. Of course, seclusion is the last thing the Farmers find in the small, eccentric town, where disaster awaits them at every turn. The veteran production staff features the likes of composer Elmer Bernstein, cinematographer Miroslav Ondricek, production designer Henry Bumstead, and director George Roy Hill (The Sting, The World According to Garp).

I never saw this back in the 80's. I have to say, I was shocked to discover this was from 1988, looking at it, I was thinking maybe 82 or 83. It is… MoreI never saw this back in the 80's. I have to say, I was shocked to discover this was from 1988, looking at it, I was thinking maybe 82 or 83. It is extremely dated to look at with a dull, flat look to it. None of the colour or flair I would associate with an 80's movie.
Story is okay, about a couple who move to a small town so the guy can write a book. A few small laughs, but it crosses into National Lampoons style humor, which really isn't my thing.
The Christmas scene is very pretty, though. Not a classic for me, though people who grew up with this one may have a different view of it.
Another one with my least favourite cliched "happy ending" scene. So nauseating.

KJ Proulx

Dated, but funny! Funny farm is pure hilarity!

Dann Michalski

Chevy Chase is off to the countryside for some home grown laughs in Funny Farm. Looking for the quiet life, the Farmers move to the small rural town of Redbud,… MoreChevy Chase is off to the countryside for some home grown laughs in Funny Farm. Looking for the quiet life, the Farmers move to the small rural town of Redbud, but they soon discover that the town isn't as idyllic as they thought. Co-starring Madolyn Smith, the film features some impressive comedic talent. Chase and Smith prove to have great chemistry together as a city couple that's out of their element. And while a lot of jokes are stereotypical, (making fun of the backward ways of small towns) it works pretty well here. A good old fashioned comedy, Funny Farm is entertaining and fun.

Erin Collins

This was pretty enjoyable. The acting and lines were a little over the top at times, but the quirky townspeople were so random and made the movie interesting.

Aj V

An hilarious movie about a writer who moves out to the country to get some peace and quiet so he can write, but finds it's not that easy. Chase is… MoreAn hilarious movie about a writer who moves out to the country to get some peace and quiet so he can write, but finds it's not that easy. Chase is fantastic in this movie, I really enjoyed it.

Jason Owens

"Funny Farm" is a lot better than I thought it was going to be. Andy Farmer (Chevy Chase) and Elizabeth Farmer (Madolyn Smith) want to find a place to… More"Funny Farm" is a lot better than I thought it was going to be. Andy Farmer (Chevy Chase) and Elizabeth Farmer (Madolyn Smith) want to find a place to live in the country, away from all the noises and hassles of the city. But they never thought that the country could bring some of the problems that it does. It's a nice place in the country with a pond, a nice house, and a good view. But before they know it, they're dealing with snakes, a mysterious mailman, a coffin in the backyard, and much more.
"Funny Farm" has a lot of funny parts such as when Chevy Chase thinks he caught a fish from their backyard pond, but finds out it's a snake and it chases him all the way to the house. The movie isn't only a good comedy movie, it also has some other elements such as drama mixed in, and you'll see that when Andy and Elizabeth nearly split up.
If you like good comedy movies, and especially if you like Chevy Chase movies, you'll probably like "Funny Farm." I recommend it. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2000. Chevy Chase is always great.

Doctor Strangeblog

Seems there is a lot of division over this one, but for me the answer is clear: this is Chevy's 4th best comedy behind <i>Vacation, Fletch,</i>… MoreSeems there is a lot of division over this one, but for me the answer is clear: this is Chevy's 4th best comedy behind <i>Vacation, Fletch,</i> and <i>Christmas Vacation.</i> (Yes, better than <i>Spies Like Us, Caddyshack,</i> and <i>Three Amigos!</i>) Take a look at that list and let's pause for a moment in remembrance at what a comic giant he was in the 1980s, rivaled only by Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy for supremacy during the Reagan Years.
This could have reached #3 if not for the change in direction during the final quarter with fewer gags and a focus on the deteriorating relationship with his wife Madolyn Smith (who gives a fine performance.) This section still works for me since the feelings are earnest but does affect the mood. Until then, there are a ton of great gags: the movers, the snake, the ducks, asking for directions, the softball game, the fishing competition, the crazy mailman, the coffin, the operators, the runaway dog simply called "Dog" because they hadn't had time to give him a name, and the sheriff who never passed the driving exam and rides in a taxi! Stupid title, funny movie.